Latest news: August 31, 2011

LUMCON researchers get oil spill grant

Houma Today (Terrebonne Parish, La.). August 30, 2011.

“Local researchers in Cocodrie will delve into a comprehensive study of the Gulf oil spill’s impacts on the local environment with a $11.7 million grant from an independent research program paid for by BP…”

Gulf task force holds “listening session” in Biloxi

By Steve Phillips, WLOX News (South Mississippi). August 30, 2011.

“BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -The group created by the President to help restore the Gulf of Mexico after the BP oil spill was in Biloxi on Tuesday.

The “Gulf Coast Eco-system Restoration Task Force” held a day long session at the coliseum convention center.”

Louisiana Reef Fund Plundered During Budget Balancing

By Susan Buchanan, Huffington Post. August 30, 2011.

“With a swipe of the pen, the Louisiana legislature took $26.6 million last month from a fund that converts old oil rigs into reefs where fish congregate. That move, which was intended to cover a budget gap, will cost the state as it tries to revive the coast, critics say. Money in the Artificial Reef Development Fund, paid by oil companies that enroll defunct rigs, protects fish and pays for ecological research…”